California Lawyer Admits Running $50 Million Visa Fraud Scam

A California attorney has pleaded guilty to defrauding more than $50 million from wealthy Chinese investors seeking U.S. residency via the federal government’s EB-5 visa program, which grants green cards to foreigners who invest at least $500,000 in a domestic business that creates at least 10 new American jobs.

Victoria Chan, 35, and her father are accused of promising investors the green cards for job-creating construction projects that did not exist. She admitted to filing about 130 fraudulent applications and using much of the money to purchase personal residential properties.

Chan agreed to forfeit eight properties worth $25 million. She faces up to 45 years in prison on visa fraud, wire fraud and money laundering charges when sentenced next year.